Radiator cap



March 3, 1953 H, J, GATES 2,630,240

RADIATOR CAF Filed April 5, 1948 maf/ww,a

43 2 HARO/p JT 6,4755

Patented Mar. 3, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 21 Claims.

This invention has to do with a radiator cap, that is, with a device applicable to the top or neck of a typical radiator such as is used in connection with internal combustion engines and more specically it is concerned with a device applicable to a radiator such as is used in a motor vehicle, say, for instance, an automobile or truck. It is a general object of the present invention to provide a radiator cap which is simple, effective, safe and practical to use.

Radiators employed to cool water `are used in many and varied situations and they are almost universally employed in motor vehicles such as automobiles, cr the like. The usual automobile radiator is equipped with a neck through which the radiator is lled and the neck is ordinarily provided or equipped with a removable cap or closure. It is not uncommon for the removable part or cap to become lost or misplaced and unless care is exercised a person may be seriously burned if the cap is removed when the radiator is overheated, since removal of the cap m-ay allow steam, or even boiling water, to escape from the radiator.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a structure applicable to the neck of a radiator to become a fixed part thereof and which provides for admission of water to the radiator without detaching or separating a cap or other part. With the construction provided by this invention the entire cap or closure is an assembly of permanently joined parts and when once applied to the neck of a radiator it remains xed thereon and does not require separa-tion or removal of any part during the normal course of operation.

It is la further object of the present invention to provide a radiator cap of the general character referred to having a lateral projection forming a handle that facilitates operation of the element requiring movement or rotation in order to open or close the cap. With the present invention the structure is opened or closed by rotation of a head joined to a base which is iixed to the neck and the head has a projecting part or handle that is so located as to be easily grasped and which affords desirable leverage making operation of the head simple and convenient.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cap of the general character referred to wherein the projection provided on the head of the structure not only serves as a handle but also as a shield deflecting escaping steam or hot water so that the operator is not injured in the event that the structure is operated or opened when the radiator is steaming or boiling.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a structure of the general character referred to wherein the principal parts are a base applicable to or carried by the base, and in which the head has a depending peripheral iiange serving to direct fluids downwardly in the event that they escape from between the base and the head.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a structure of the general character referred to involving few simple inexpensive parts that are easily formed, easily assembled, and easily operated.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a View illustrating the upper portion of a typical motor vehicle radiator showing a cap embodying the present invention applied thereto. Fig. 2 'is an enlarged view of the neck portion oi the radiator showing it without the cap. Fig. 3 is an enlarged side elevation of lthe cap provided by the present invention. Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view throughl the c-ap and showing it apd plied to the neck of a radiator being a view taken on line 4-4 on Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a reduced plan view taken as indicated by line 5-5 on Fig. 4, and showing the head of the cap in closed posi-tion. Fig. 6 is a reduced plan view taken as indicated by line 6 5 on Fig. 4 and showing the parts in the same position as they are in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 5 showing the head of the cap partially operated. Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 6 showing the parts in the position shown inv Fig. '7. Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 5 showing the head fully open. Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 6, showing the parts in the position in which they are shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a view showing the head and body and is an enlarged sectional View of these parts taken as indicated by line iI-II on Fig. 3.

In the drawings I illustrate a radiator R provided with the usual upstanding neck A and I show the cap embodying the present invention applied to the neck A. The particular radiator neck illustrated in the drawings is of a typical form or construe-tion and involves, generally, a vertically disposed tubular part I0 joined to the shell I I of the radiator and having an outwardly projecting radial llange I2 at its upper end which flange has a depending marginal lip I3, the lower edge I4 of which is formed as a cam-like part for cooperation with a cap. An overflow tube I8 connects intov the side of the tubular part I0 a suitable distance above the lower end of the tube and the tube is shown provided at its lower end with an inwardly projecting radial flange forming a seat I6.

The cap involving the present invention includes, generally, a body B, a head C, means D rotatably connecting the body and head, sealing means E between the body and the neck of the radiator, stop means F limiting rotation of the head relative to the body, a shield G proiecting from the head and forming an operating handle facilitating rotation of the head relative to the body, and means J securing the body B to the neck A. The construction may include a supplemental closure H for the neck of the radiator serving to close the neck at its lower end or at a point below the point at which the overflow tube I8 joins the tubular part I 0 of the neck. Further, the structure may include a means N operating to clamp the head C to the body B.

The body B of the cap is applicable to the neck A and involves primarily a round or disc-shaped top plate 2D ,that engages or closes the upper end of the neck A. In the particular case illustrated the top plate has an opening or passage 2I formed in or through it. The opening 2I is radially removed from the center of the plate and is preferably arcuate in form to extend in an arc concentric with the plate.

The top plate 20 is provided With a depending peripheral ange 22 which surrounds the upper end portion of the neck. In the case illustrated the flange 22 is such as to depend over and thus engage or surround the lip portion I3 of the neck.

The means J provided for securing the body B to the neck A serves to hold the body on the neck so that the plate 20 closes the upper end of the neck. In the particular case illustrated the means J includes lugs 3i! proiecting inwardly from the lower edge portion of flange 22 to engage under the lip I3 and cooperate with the cam part or edge I 4 in the manner common to volves a clamp screw 32 carried by ears 33 projectiner outwardly from the flange 22 at a point where the flange is split or divided making it contractible to grip the lip I3. In the particular case illustrated the flange 22 is cut or divided where the ears 33 occur and the ears are turned out of the sheet of material from which the flange 22 is formed. The clamp screw 32 involves a nvt 34 at one ear 33 and a .head 35 at the other ear, and is such that it can be operated by a screw driver. or the like. to effectively tighten the flange 22 onto the lip I3.

The lugs 30 are engaged with the cam edge I4 by rotating the body of the cap on the neck, the parts being proportioned so that as the body is rotated on the neck the plate 20 is clamped toward the top of the neck. In accordance with ordinary neck construction passageways 36 are provided in the neck to pass or accommodate the lugs 30, making it possible to apply the body to the neck by lowering it into place preliminary to its being turned to engage the lugs with the cam edge I4.

The sealing means E is preferably in the form of a washer engaged between the ilange I2 of the neck and the periph-eral portion of the plate 2U. The parts are proportioned so that when the body is rotated on the neck the lugs cooperate with the cam edge I4 causing the washer to be tightly clamped between the plate 2D and the flange I2.

The head C of the clamp involves a top plate 40 engaged over or bearing on the base plate 20. The top plate 40 preferably corresponds in size and shape with the base plate 20, that is, it is a round or disc-shaped plate and where the base 4 plate is flat the top plate is likewise ilat to seat on the upper side of the base plate.

The top plate 4D has an opening or passageway 4I through it, the opening 4I being removed from the center of the top plate the same as the opening 2I is removed from the center of the base plate. It is preferred that the opening 4I in the top plate be of substantially the same size and shape as the opening 2I in the base plate and that the openings be so related to the center of the cap that they are diametrically opposite when the cap is closed, as shown in Fig. 5, and are in line with each other or are in register when the cap is open as is shown in Fig. 9.

The top plate is preferably provided with a depending marginal flange 43 which extends down over the flangel 22 of the body.

The means D pivotally connecting the body and head preferably involves a pivot pin at the center of the structure or connecting the centers of the plates 20 and 40. In the particular case illustrated the pin 50 is fixed in or to the top plate 40 and has a head 5I at the upper side of the top plate. The pin depends through an opening 52 in the base plate and a spring 53 is carried on the pin below the base plate between the lower side of the base plate and a shoulder 54 on the pin so that the plates 20 and 4D are normally yieldingly held in pressure engagement, so that the head will not shift relative to the base or body unless deliberately operated.

The means N may be provided to supplement the action of spring 53. Means N as shown in Fig. l1 is a cam means and involves a cam projection IIO on the iiange 22 engaged in a cam channel II2 with the flange 43. The cam and channel cooperate so that the head is moved down into pressure engagement with the body vas the head is rotated to the closed position.

The stop means F is provided to limit relative rotation between the head and body so that the head can only be moved relative to the body from a position such as is shown in Fig. 5 to that such as is shown in Fig. 9. In the particular case illustrated a recess 63 is provided in the depending ilange 43 of the head to receive or accommodate the ears 33 projecting from the flange 22 of the body. The ends GI of the recess 5D form stop shoulders that cooperate with or which engage the ears 33 stopping the head in the positions shown in Figs. 5 and 9.

The shield G projects laterally or horizontally from the head and forms an operating handle as well as a guard protecting the operator against steam or liquid that may escape from the cap under conditions such as I will hereinafter describe. The shield G is preferably integral with the head and has a top 63 joined with and projecting from the top plate 40 and has side walls G2 depending from the edges of the top 63 and joined with the depending flange 43 of the head. The side Walls 62 depend from the side as well as the end edge of the top and preferably project downwardly a substantial distance so that the top and walls define a downwardly opening chamber X in the projection, as shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings.

In accordance with the present invention a channel 'IU is provided in the head extending radially in the head and discharging into the chamber X formed in or by the shield projection G. In the form of the invention illustrated an upstanding portion 'II is provided on the top plate extending radially from a point near the center of the top plate to the point where the top plate joins the top 63 of the projection G. The upstanding part 1| delines or forms the channel lil and, as will be seen in Fig. 4, the channel 'l0 opens outwardly and into the chamber X.

When the cap is closed as shown in Fig. 5 the channel lll occurs over a portion of the base plate 2o removed from the opening 2| in the base plate. As the head is rotated from the closed position toward the open position it reaches a position such as is shown in Fig. 7 where the channel 'It communicates with the opening 2| in the base plate. rThis communication between the channel 'lll and the opening 2| occurs before the opening ll communicates with the opening 2|. It will be apparent that any iiuid, whether it be steam or water, under pressure in the neck A, or tending to escape from the neck A, will be allowed to escape through the passage 'l0 and into the chamber X to discharge downwardly from the shield G before the openings 4| and 2| communicate, allowing such fluid to discharge upwardly from the cap. By discharging downwardly from the shield G escaping fluid is de fiected away from lthe hand of the operator and thus the operator is protected against injury.

The supplemental closure I-l may or may not be incorporated in the cap construction as circumstances require. If a supplemental clostue H is desired it may involve, generally, a seat plate B engaged upon the seat flange I6 at the lower end or part lil of neck A, a valve plate seated on the upper side of the plate BQ, an operator S2 for the valve, means normally yieldingly holding the valve plate in seated engagement on the seat plate and mounting means S-l supportingv the seat plate from the body structure hereinabove described.

The seat plate Si), as shown in the drawings, may be a simple, flat, disc-shaped plate of such size as to seat or rest upon the flange l of the neck A. If desired a washer 3% may be provided between the plate 8|) and the flange IE, as shown in the drawings. The plate 8D is provided with a port 8l. In the case illustrated port Sl is shown removed from the center of the plate, as shown in Figs. 6, 8 and 10. The valve plate 8l is a round or disc-shaped plate seating on the upper side of plate 8K3. The plate 3| is somewhat smaller in diameter than plate 8E but is large enough V to overlie or normally cover the port 8l.

The mounting or supporting means all may be any suitable structure or element that will support the seat plate 8B from the body B. In the case illustrated the support Sli is shown as a I tubular part fixed to the lower side of plate E@ at t3 and depending downwardly in the tubular part lil of the neck to support the plate. 80 at its lower end and in such position as to properly bear upon flange lli. The tubular support 84 is somewhat smaller in diameter than the part Ill of the neck, leaving a chamber 59 between these parts and a plurality of escape openings |08 is provided in the` support 8d so that free communication is established' from within the support member Se and the overflow tube i8.

The valve plate 8| is provided with a port il?! to cooperate with the port Sl. The ports 8l and |0| are located so that they are out of communication when the cap is closed, as shown in Fig. 5, but are in communication when the cap is in the position shown in Figs. '7 and 9, being in full communication when the cap isV open as shown in Fig. 9'.

vThe stem or operator 3S. provided for operating the valve. plate 8| connects the head C with the valve plate so that the valve plate is rotated or turned with the top plate of the head. With the pivot pin 50 lxed to the top plate 4|! as above described the operator 82 is preferably a continuation of the pivot pin 50, depending below the stop 54 that holds spring 53. The operating part that depends from the pin 5i) extends to the plate 8| where the plate is slidably engaged on it and is keyed to it so that as the operator 82 turns the valve plate 8| likewise turns.

The means 83 is preferably a compression spring such as a helical spring carried on the operator 82 between the stop 5d and the upper side of plate 8 l. The spring normally yieldingly holds the valve plate down or in pressure engagement with the seat plate 80. When the cap is closed. as shown in Fig. 5, pressure that develops in the radiator and which might otherwise cause damage, lifts the valve plate relative to the seat plate allowing pressure to escape upwardly through the ports 8l and out around the rim or periphery of the valve plate into the tubular support 84. From the tubular support 8d the pressure is free to escape through the openings IDB and then out through the tube I8.

From the foregoing description it will be aD- parent that I have, by my present invention, provided a cap which is applicable to the neck of a radiator to become a xed part thereon. The body of the cap is applied to the neck of the radiator and is secured or made fast by the clamp means provided on or in connection with the body. The head is permanently pivotally connected to the body and is never removed or detached therefrom. In normal operation of the cap the operator engages the shield G by engaging the top 6| or the side walls 62 thereof.

When it is desired to inspect the radiator or to apply water thereto the operator rst moves the shield from the position shown in Fig. 5 to that shown in Fig. '7, thus putting passage 'ill in communication with opening 2| in the base plate S0 that any pressure in the structure that would otherwise cause fluid to discharge in a manner to inconvenience or injure the operator is allowed to escape and is deflected downwardly by the shield. When assured that no dangerous pressure exists the operator continues rotation of the shield t0 the position shown in Fig. 9, bringing the openings 2| and 4| into full register and providing full access to the radiator.

Having described only a typical preferred form and appli-cation of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art and fall within the scoce of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

l. A cap for the neck of a radiator including. a base plate closing the neck and having an opening therethrough, a top plate engaged over the base plate and having an opening therethrough, means pivotally connecting the plates, a handle projecting from the top plate, the topplate being rotatable between a closed position where the. openings are out of communication with each other and an open `position where the openings register, and a channel in the top plate extending to the marginal portion thereof and opening below the handle, the channel having a flow receiving portion located to communicate with the opening in the base plate when the top plate has been moved from the closed position" and before it has reached a, position where the openings communicate.

2. A cap for the neck of a radiator including, a base plate closing the neck and having an opening therethrough, a top plate engaged over the base plate and having an opening therethrough, means pivotally connecting the plates, a handle projecting from' the top plate, the top plate being rotatable between a closed position where the openings are out of communication with each other and an open position where the openings register, and a channel in the bottom side of the top plate opposing the base plate and extending to the marginal portion of the top plate and opening below the handle, the channel having a flow receiving portion located to communicate with the opening in the base plate when the top plate has been moved from the closed position and before it has reached aposition where the openings communicate.

3. A cap for the neck of a radiator including, a base plate closing the neck and having an opening therethrough, a top plate engaged over the base plate and having an opening therethrough, means pivotally connecting the plates, a handle projecting from the top plate, the top plate being rotatable between a closed position where the openings are out of communication with each other and an open position where the openings register, and a channel in the bottom' side of the top plate extending radially to the marginal portion thereof and opening downward beneath the handle, the channel having a now receiving portion opening downward and located to communicate with the opening in the base plate when the top plate has been moved from the closed position and before it has reached a position where the openings communicate.

4. A cap for the neck of a radiator including, a base plate closing the neck and having an opening therethrough, a top plate engaged over the base plate and having an opening therethrough` means pivotally connecting the plates, a handle projecting from the top plate, the top plate being rotatable between a closed position where the openings are out of communication with each other and an open position where the openings register, and a channel in the top plate extending to the marginal portion thereof and opening below the handle, the channel having a ilow receiving end located to communicate with the opening in the base plate when the top plate has been moved from the closed position and before it has reached a position where the openings communicate, the handle having a top and depending side walls denning a downwardly opening chamber receiving flow from the channel.

5. A cap for the neck of a radiator including, a base plate closing the neck and having an opening therethrough, a top plate engaged over the base plate and having an opening therethrough, means detachably securing the base plate to the neck, means pivotally connecting the plates, a handle projecting from the top plate, the top plate being rotatable between a closed position where the openings are out of communication with each other and an open position where the openings register, and a channel in the top plate extending to the marginal portion thereof and opening below the handle, the channel having a ow receiving portion located to communicate with the opening in the base plate when the top plate has been moved from the closed position and before it has reached a position where the openings communicate.

6. A cap for the neck of a radiator including, a base plate closing the neck and having an opening therethrough, a top plate engaged over the base plate and having an opening therethrough, clamp means fixing the base plate to the neck, means pivotally connecting the plates, a handle projecting from the top plate, the top plate being rotatable between a closed position where the openings are out of communication with each other and an open position where the openings register, and a channel in the top plate extending to the marginal portion thereof and opening below the handle, the channel having a ilow receiving portion located to communicate with the opening in the base plate when the top plate has been moved from the closed position and before it has reached a position where the openings communicate.

7. A cap for the neck of a radiator including, a base plate closing the neck and having an opening therethrough, a top plate engaged over the base plate and having an opening therethrough, means xing the base plate on the neck including lugs on the base plate engaging the neck and clamp means holding the lugs engaged with the neck, means pivotally connecting the plates, and a handle projecting from the top plate, the top plate being rotatable between a closed position where the openings are out of communication with each other and an open position where the openings register, and a channel in the top plate extending to the marginal portion thereof and opening below the handle, the channel having a receiving end located to communicate with the opening in the base plate when the top plate has been moved from the closed position and before it has reached a position where the openings communicate.

8. A cap for the neck of a radiator including, a base plate closing the neck and having an opening therethrough, a top plate engaged over the base plate and having an opening therethrough. means xing the base plate on the neck including a peripheral flange on the base plate depending over the neck, lugs on the flange engaging the neck and cam means adapted to cam the lugs to grip the neck, means pivotally connecting the plates, a handle projecting from the top plate, the top plate being rotatable between a closed position where the openings are out of communication with each other and an open position where the openings register, and a channel in the top plate extending to the marginal portion thereof and opening below the handle, the channel having a receiving end located to communicate with the opening in the base plate when the top plate has been moved from the closed position and before it has reached a position where the openings communicate.

9. A cap for the neck of a radiator including, a base plate closing the neck and having an opening therethrough, a top plate engaged over thc base plate and having an opening therethrough, means pivotally connecting the plates, a handle projecting from the top plate, the top plate being rotatable between a closed position where the openings are out of communication with each other and an open position where the openings register, and a channel in the top plate extending to the marginal portion thereof and opening below the handle, the channel being open toward the base plate to communicate with the opening in the base plate when the top plate has been moved from the closed position and before it has reached a position where the openings communicate, the top plate having a peripheral flange de- 9 pending from the top plate and surrounding the base plate.

10. A cap for the neck of a radiator including, a base plate closing the neck and having an opening therethrough, a top plate engaged over the base plate and having an opening therethrough, means pivotally connecting the plates, a handle projecting from the top plate, the top plate being rotatable between a closed position where the openings are out oi' communication with each other and an open position where the openings register, and a channel in the top plate extending to the marginal portion thereof and opening below the handle, the channel being open toward the base plate at a point to communicate with the opening in the base plate when the top plate has been moved from the closed position and before it has reached a position where the openings communicate, the base plate having a peripheral flange depending therefrom to surround the neck and the top plate having a peripheral flange depending therefrom and surrounding the base plate.

11. A cap for the neck of a radiator having a top flange including, a base plate seated on said ange and having a depending ange engaging around the upper end portion of the neck, there being an opening through the base plate, a top plate seated on the base plate and having a depending flange surrounding the flange of the base plate, there being an opening through the top plate, means pivotally connecting the plates, the openings being out oi communication when the top plate is in closed position and being in communication when the top plate is in open position, va shield projecting laterally from the top plate and defining a downwardly opening chamber, and a channel in the top plate with a discharge end opening into the chamber and having a receiving end out of -communication with the opening in the base plate when the top plate is in closed position and in communication with the opening in the base plate when the top plate has been rotated from the closed position toward the open position and before the opening in the top plate communicates with the opening in the base plate.

12. A cap for the neck of a radiator having a top ange including, a base plate seated on said flange and having a depending flange engaging around the upper end portion of the neck, there being an opening through the base plate, a top plate seated on the base plate and having a depending flange surrounding the flange of the base plate, there being an opening through the top plate, means permanently pivotally oonnecting the plates, stop means limiting rotation of the top plate relative to the base plate, the openings being out of communication when the tcp plate is in closed .position and being in communication when the top plate is in open position, a shield projecting laterally from the top plate and defining a downwardly opening chamber, and a channel in the top plate with an outlet end opening into the chamber and with an inlet end out of communication with the opening in the base plate when the top plate is in closed position and in communication with the opening in the base plate when the top plate has been rotated from the closed position toward the open position and before the opening in the top plate communicates with the opening in the base plate.

13. A cap for the neck of a radiator having a top ange including, a base plate seated on said flange and having a depending iiange engaging around the upper end portion of the neck, there being an opening through the base plate, a top plate seated on the base plate and having a depending flange surrounding the flange of the 'base plate, means xing the flange of the base plate to the neck of the radiator, there being an opening through the top plate, means pivotally connecting the plates, the openings being out of communication when the top plate is in closed position and being in communication when the top plate is in open position, a shield projecting laterally from the top plate and defining a downwardly opening chamber, and a radially disposed channel in the top plate with an outlet end opening into the chamber and with a receiving end out of communication with the opening in the base plate when the top plate is in closed position and in communication with the opening in the ba-se plate when the top plate has been rotated from the closed position toward the open position and bef-ore the opening in the top plate communicates with the opening in the base plate.

14. A cap for the neck of a radiator having a top flange including, a base plate seated on said flange and having a depending flange engaging around the upper end portion of the neck, there being an opening through the base plate, a top plate seated on the base plate and having a depending flange surrounding the flange of the base plate, clamp means fixing the flange of the base plate to the neck of the radiator. there being an opening through the top plate, means permanently pivotally connecting the plates, stop means limiting rotation of the top plate relative to the base plate, the openings being out of communication when the top plate is in closed position and being in communication when the top plate is in open position, a shield projecting laterally from the top plate and deining a downwardly opening chamber, and a channel in the top plate with a discharge end opening into the chamber and with an inlet end out of communication with the opening in the base plate when the top plate is in closed position and in communication with the opening in the base plate when the top plate has been rotated from the closed position toward the open position and before the opening in the top plate communicates with the opening in the base plate.

15. A cap for the neck of a radiator having a top ange, a bottom inwardly projecting seat and an overflow connection above the seat including, a base plate engaged with the flange of the neck and having an opening therethrough, ya head engaged over the base plate and having Ian opening therethrough, means permanently pivotally connecting the base plate and head, means fixing the base plate to the neck of the radiator, the openings being out of communication when the head is in closed position and being in communication when the head is in open position, a handle projecting from the head and defining a downwardly faced chamber, a channel in the head with an outlet end open to the chamber and with an inlet end located to be out of communication with the opening in the base plate when the head is in closed position and communicating with the opening in the base plate as the head is moved to the position and before the opening in the head communicates with the opening in the base plate, a valve structure normally closing the lower end of the neck including, a seat member on the said seat, a valve member yieldingly held on the seat member, and means coupling the -neck and having an opening therethrough, a head engaged over the body and having an opening therethrough, means permanently pivotally connecting the body and head, means fixing the body to the neck of the radiator, the openings being out of communication when the head is in closed position and being in communication when the head is in open position, a handle projection on the head deiining a downwardly faced chamber, the head having a channel with a discharge end open to the chamber and having a receiving end out of communication with the opening in the body when the head is in closed position and communicating with the opening in the body as the head is moved to the position and before the opening in the head communicates with the opening in the body, a valve structure normally closing the lower end of the neck including a seat member supported on the seat and having a port therethrough, a valve member seated on the seat member and having a port therethrough, means normally yieldingly holding the valve member on the seat closing the port in the seat member when the head is in closed position, an operating connection between the head and valve member moving the ports into register when the channel communicates with the opening in the body and when the openings communicate, and a member depending from the body and carrying the seat member.

17. A cap for the neck of a radiator in-cluding, a base plate closing the neck and having an opening therethrough, a top plate engaged over the base plate and having an opening therethrough, means pivotally connecting the plates, a handle projecting from the top plate, the top plate being rotatable lbetween a closed position where the openings are out of communication with each other and an open position where the openings register, a channel in the top plate extending to the marginal portion thereof and opening below the handle, the channel having a flow receiving portion located to communicate with the opening in the base plate when the top plate has been moved from the closed position and before it has reached a position where the openings communicate, and a valve means controlling flow through the neck including a valve member within the neck below the plates and a stem connecting the valve member and top plate so the valve member operates with the top plate.

18. A cap for the neck of a radiator having a top flange and a bottom inwardly projecting seat including, a base plate appli-cable to the top flange and having an opening therethrough, means establishing the base plate in xed position on the top iiange, a top plate rotatably mounted over the base plate and having an opening therethrough movable into and out of register with the opening through the base plate, and valve means including, a valve seat rigid with and supported by the l base plate and resting in iixed position on the seat of the neck, a valve member cooperating with the valve seat and controlling iiow therethrough,

v12 and a stem operatively connecting the top plate and valve member.

19. A cap for the neck of a radiator having a top iange and a bottom inwardly projecting seat including, a base plate applicable to the top ange and having an opening therethrough, clamp means establishing the base plate in xed position on the top flange, a top plate rotatably mounted over the base plate and having an opening therethrough movable into and out of register with the opening through the base plate, and valve means including, a support rigid with and depending from the base plate and holding the valve seat in xed position on the seat of the neck, a valve member cooperating with the valve seat and controlling flow therethrough, and a stem operatively connecting the top plate and valve member.

20. A cap for the neck of a radiator having a. top flange, a bottom inwardly projecting seat, and an overflow opening located between the Iiange and seat including, a base plate applicable to the top flange and having an opening therethrough, clamp means establishing the base plate in fixed position on the top flange, a top plate rotatably mounted over the base plate and having an opening therethrough movable into and out of register with the opening through the base plate, and valve means including, a valve seat, a support rigid with and depending from the base plate and carrying the valve seat in xed position on the seat of the neck, a valve member cooperating with the valve seat and controlling flow therethrough, and a stem operatively connecting the top plate and valve member, the support being tubular and uniform in size and iitting the neck with clearance and having a side opening passing fluid from within the support to the overflow opening.

21. A cap for the neck of a radiator having a top ange and a bottom inwardly projecting seat including, a base plate applicable to the top flange and having an opening therethrough, a top plate rotatably mounted over the base plate and having an opening therethrough movable into and out of register with the opening through the base plate, and valve means including, a valve seat supported from the base plate and resting on the seat of the neck, a valve member cooperating with the valve seat and controlling flow therethrough, a stem operatively connecting the top plate and valve member, a spring on the stem engaging the base plate and urging the stem downward, and a spring on the stem engaging the valve member and urging it downward.

HAROLD J. GATES.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,216,453 Ihrke Feb. 20, 1917 1,477,772 Ryburg Dec. 18, 1923 1,489,098 Pearson et al Apr. 1, 1924 1,919,501 Calvin July 25, 1933 2,181,969 Eslbough Dec. 5, 1939 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 49,489 France Jan. 17, 1939 431,231 Great Britain July 3, 1935 723,326 France Jan. 13, 1932 

